Howard Palmer "Birdman" Turnbaugh Sr.

Howard Palmer “Birdman” Turnbaugh, Sr., 98, of Freeland, MD, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Bentley Springs, MD, he was a son of the late George Washington and Alice Ann (Palmer) Turnbaugh.

Howard graduated from Sparks High School, Class of 1946. He was a United States Army Veteran who served during the Korean War as a corporal, drill sergeant and paymaster. He retired from Black & Decker in 1987 after 34 ½ years of service as a line assembler. He loved feeding and watching birds. He liked sitting on his porch and waving at every car that went by. Howard also liked to watch cowboy shows and listen to bluegrass music.

He is survived by his three children, Howard P. Turnbaugh Jr. (Cathy), Alice "Jeannie" Greynolds (Daniel) and Diana "Katie" Elder (Junior); eight grandchildren, Shawn Greynolds (Suzie), Kevin Greynolds (Crystal), Missy Poling (Aaron), Matthew Elder, Christopher Turnbaugh, Tabitha Taylor (Darryll), Candice Walters; 8 great-grandchildren; and numerous great -great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his son Richard Earl Turnbaugh, grandson Douglas A. Elder and eleven siblings.

There will be a viewing held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00PM at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. Second St., New Freedom, PA.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM with Rev. Kurt Wesolowski officiating.

Burial will follow in Mt. Zion UM Cemetery, Freeland, MD.